The lipid lowering effect of the aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida in albino rats fed on a high cholesterol diet

Background: Morinda lucinda (Benth) Rubiaceae has been reported in folk medicine to be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia. Previous studies have identified the hypoglycemic effect of this herb, but data on its lipid lowering effect is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Morinda lucinda on hyperlipidemia. Methods: Morinda lucinda roots were extracted via cold maceration using distilled water. It was administered to rats (n=6 per group) on a high cholesterol diet for 14 days (40 mg/rat/day). Five groups of rats were orally given the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), atorvastatin (5mg/kg), or distilled water (2ml/kg) for 14 days. Positive and negative control groups received cholesterol & distilled water and only distilled water respectively. After the 14th day, blood samples were withdrawn and separated plasma was tested for HDL, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Results: Treatment with Morinda lucinda extract at all doses significantly reduced the levels of LDL (p <0.0001), while increasing the HDL levels (p<0.05) in the hyperlipidemic rats from 12.5 mg/dL to 24.2, 23.93, 26.67 mg/dL for the 3 doses respectively. Similarly, administered extract at all doses significantly reduced the total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and triglycerides (p = 0.001, p = 0.0005, and p<0.0001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively) in comparison with the positive control. The effect of the extract on total cholesterol and LDL were most prominent and was as effective as atorvastatin. Conclusions: The effect of the extract on total cholesterol and LDL were most prominent and was as effective as atorvastatin. Our results suggest Morinda lucinda as a useful remedy for lowering lipid level in patients with hyperlipidemia. Keywords: Triglycerides, High density lipoprotein, Low density lipoprotein, Total cholestero